Kate wasmeantto be a civilian.
Am I really that out of touch?
Was I trapped by the beguiling feminine form and faux quirky/cute personality of an agent who could be trying to kill me?
If so, it will be a first. The last woman who attempted to seduce me ended up in an interrogation room after I called the FBI. She cracked in no time, admitting she had been sent by the Russian Mafia to exploit me for information on the last mission of my career as a Navy SEAL. They soon found that she had anentire fake life set up—falsified records, friends, the whole nine yards.
My life was meant to be spent on the front lines as a Navy SEAL. That was before I was put on honorable discharge until the investigation of our last mission is concluded.
I’m still alive for a reason, and that reason is because I keep my head on straight. A pair of long legs and blue eyes don’t mean a damn thing...if I know they should be avoided.
And I certainly didn’t avoid her. I indulged like an addict on a bender after going ten years sober.
Jackson texts back a thumbs-up, and I know the report will be refreshed in my non-trackable phone within the hour.
The first background analysis on Kate came back crystal clear. I ran it as soon as I swiped her wallet to find out the name she wouldn’t give me. When she’d approached me at the bar, I’d thought it was a lucky turn of events. A much-needed night off from my high-stress life.
Even though I don’t usually engage with women I’ve never met—because sometimes, they are spies—something about her drew me in. It was inexplicable and yet clearly unavoidable. She was mind-blowingly sexy and adorable at the same time, which is a highly unique combination.
My phone beeps with the new report, and I open it at an embarrassingly fast speed.
Kate Dawson
DOB: 09-09-00. Age 24.
Recently employed at Westworth Design Inc.
Last known partner: Stephen Rail. Age 26. Unemployed.
Shit. I’m nine years older than her.
I knew she was young, but not that young.
The report goes on to list her medical history, allergies, last known dental appointment, and even an account of her utilities, phone service, and most recent oil change.
I see that she’s licensed to drive in Texas and received a ticket once for coming to a complete stop for a turtle crossing the road that resulted in a three-car pileup. There’s no criminal record or anything of concern listed.
I immediately text Jackson back to get me a report on Stephen Rail.
Must be a part of her decoy life. They’re going above and beyond to entrap me.
The part that doesn’t make sense is her approaching me at the bar that night. She could’ve just started the job here and gotten as close to me as needed to get whatever information she’s after without alerting me of her identity.
It could be to throw you off her trail by getting your other head involved.
Tycos has been after me since Steelhart, the mission that ended my career as a Navy SEAL. I’ve had to watch my back ever since. The US government has safeguards in place, but you can’t keep all the roaches out when there are holes in the walls.
It’s on-brand for Tycos to get a beautiful woman like Kate Dawson to come after me. The powerful Russian Mafia boss has a hand in all the coffers that turn a profit.
She’s got another thing coming if she thinks she will be able to get me into a vulnerable position again. Her best shot at killing me would’ve been when she slept over at my penthouse—something I’d never allowed another woman to do besides Fallon.
Although...Kate Dawson didn’t try to kill me, or I wouldn’t be here. I slept soundly next to her. Her mission must be focused on gathering intel first, no doubt about the tragedy that still keeps me up at night.
Having her close by, right outside my office, could actually be ideal. I can keep an eye on her and make sure that nothing out of the ordinary happens. If it wasn’t for the impossible coincidence of her working here after spending an unforgettable night with me, I never would have suspected her.
I had planned to call her up tonight for an official date as soon as I could think of some excuse as to how I had her phone number besidesI’m an ex-Navy SEAL billionaire with unlimited resources.
Guess that plan is out of the question.
